Mid-March marks the 101st year of the Boys State Basketball Championships and, once again, you can extend a warm welcome to the players and their families by participating in the following activities:

Keep an eye on the Monday Morning Coffee Break e-newsletter and download a Welcome Poster to display in your window. It’s just one way to roll out the red carpet for schools around the state that will be visiting the Championship Capital.

Buy tickets to the tournament and see the athletes in action at the Kohl Center! Tickets are only $10 (ages 2 and under are free), and these games make for great family fun or gifts for staff or clients.

Keep an eye on the WIAA web site for additional details about the winter tournament series.

If you have any questions about this year’s welcome program, contact Kate Dale.

Featured Partner: Studio, You Paint It Pottery

Studio, You Paint It Pottery is more than a place to take the kids for an afternoon of arts and crafts. It’s Madison’s original interactive studio experience where artists of all ages can go to get creative!

Painting pottery is a proven technique for promoting relaxation and fun. So seven days a week, this studio creates a space where walk-ins are always welcome. “Our goal is to create a safe and stress-free place for people to enjoy,” says Tracy Bartowiak, owner of Studio You. “So in addition to our regular hours, we have been happy to open early or keep the studio open later by appointment. We also host private parties for every occasion, from birthday parties to boy scout outings to baby showers.”

The concept at Studio You is simple: pick out a piece of pottery or a canvas, paint it, and pick it up a week later—glazed, fired and ready to enjoy. But the possibilities are endless, from colorful coffee mugs to “wow” wall art to gifts that last a lifetime. “For me, it’s so rewarding to see the range of ideas and implementation,” says Bartowiak. “And everything is so different because of the diversity of our clients: moms entertaining toddlers, couples on a date night or employees at a corporate outing.”

In addition to local clients, Studio You enjoys welcoming visitors to Madison’s west side. “Because we are partners of the GMCVB, we can count on visitors calling to say they saw us on their web site and to make an appointment at our studio,” says Bartowiak. “The GMCVB is proactive in bringing business to the Madison area and, of course, that greatly impacts Studio You. The fact that we ship our finished pieces also makes it easy for visitors to participate.”

Studio You is open 11-5 on Sundays and Mondays, 11-7 Tuesdays through Thursdays and 11-6 on Fridays and Saturdays. Drop by the studio at 6670 Odana Road or make an appointment by calling 608.833.1393.

Warm Welcome & Major Milestones

We're pleased to welcome the following new partners:

AC Hotel Madison
1 N. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53703OPENING IN 2017: Connect to the city in a new way at AC Hotel Madison. Thoughtful service and a modern mindset define us. New in 2017, each element of our space has been carefully tailored to maximize the fun of travel and achieve harmony as you arrive at AC Hotel Madison.

Noah’s Event Venue
5020 American Family Drive
Madison, WI 53718
608.628.4225
Tollfree: 844 NOAHS EVNOAH’S is an upscale event venue for weddings, corporate events and special occasions. NOAH’S is the industry leader when it comes to providing unparalleled customer service.

Outlets at the Dells℠
210 N. Gasser Rd., Ste. 105
Baraboo, WI 53913
608.253.5380Shop Outlets at The Dells℠ and save 30-70% off retail prices everyday on favorite brands such as Nike, Express Factory Outlet, Under Armour, Disney Outlet and more! Conveniently located on I90-94, exit 92. A world class outlet experience at outlet prices. Shop Outlets at the Dells℠ today!

Congratulations to this GMCVB partner celebrating a key milestone:

Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is celebrating 15 years on the shimmering shores of Lake Monona! In addition to being adjacent to the Monona Terrace® Community and Convention Center, this hotel boasts spectacular views of the city and surrounding lakes, and includes a fitness center, pool and the Capitol ChopHouse restaurant.

Partners in the Press

We love to celebrate when we see our partners in the press! Check out these recent articles highlighting how successful our partners are at making our destination so desirable: